Enhancing biodiversity in marshes and wetlands

Enhancing biodiversity in marshes and wetlands

DREVO Living Wetlands Biodiversity System

Concept

In the systemDREVO Living MountainsThe swamp is viewed as a complex mosaic of interconnected habitats rather than as a homogeneous area covered by water, sedge or reeds.

High biodiversity occurs where:

open water;

shallow waters;

temporarily flooded areas;

wet meadows;

sedge communities;

marsh shrubs;

swamp forests;

areas of dead wood;

sand and gravel islets;

peat hummocks;

small channels;

isolated quiet backwaters.

The main principle:

The more diverse the structure of water, soil, vegetation and microrelief, the more species can live sustainably in one area.

1. Main objectives

The system is aimed at:

restoration of local wetland ecosystems;

increasing plant diversity;

restoration of insect populations;

creating conditions for amphibians;

restoration of spawning areas;

increase in the number of waterfowl and near-water birds;

creating an environment for beavers, otters and other animals;

restoration of fungi and microorganisms;

formation of ecological corridors;

increasing the resilience of the swamp to drought, fires and invasive species.

2. The main mistake is creating a homogeneous swamp

A large, uniform-depth pond with a dense reed bed typically supports fewer species than a mosaic system.

Homogeneity arises from:

of the same depth;

bottom leveling;

plantings of one dominant species;

constant water level;

absence of islands;

wood removal;

isolation from the river and forest;

excessive overgrowth;

lack of open ground.

Therefore, restoration must create many small ecological niches.

3. Mosaic of the Depths

Within the swamp complex, different water levels are envisaged.

Temporarily wet edges

Flooding depth:

from 0 to 10 cm;

For part of the year the area may remain without open water.

Meaning:

seed germination;

development of meadow plants;

feeding of waders;

reproduction of individual insects;

transition between land and swamp.

Shallow waters

Depth:

10–30 cm.

Meaning:

main zone of marsh plants;

spawning of amphibians;

feeding area of ​​birds;

development of insect larvae;

rapid warming of water in spring.

Average depth

Depth:

30–80 cm.

Meaning:

open water;

aquatic plants;

fish;

mollusks;

amphibian shelters;

water conservation during dry periods.

Deep bowls

Depth:

approximately 1.5–3 m;

in large systems they can be deeper.

Meaning:

wintering of fish and amphibians;

water conservation during drought;

temperature stabilization;

a source of recolonization of shallow waters after extreme periods.

Deep zones should not occupy the entire area.

4. Microrelief

Even a difference in height of 10–30 cm can create a different ecological niche.

The following are being formed:

hummocks;

lowering;

small ridges;

islets;

hollows;

temporary puddles;

depressions around the roots;

old channel forms.

Microrelief allows plants and animals to choose the optimal level of humidity.

5. Temporary reservoirs

Small seasonal puddles and bowls are particularly important for biodiversity.

Their advantages:

they often lack fish;

the predatory pressure on amphibian eggs is reduced;

the water warms up quickly;

specialized microfauna develops;

breeding grounds for rare invertebrates arise.

Such reservoirs do not need to be artificially kept full all year round.

Their periodic drying out is part of the natural cycle.

6. Open water

Part of the swamp should be left free of dense vegetation.

Open water is necessary for:

waterfowl;

dragonflies;

fish;

amphibians;

aquatic plants;

hunting birds;

aquatic mammals.

It is recommended to create not one large open body of water, but a system:

small water mirrors;

flow;

backwaters;

deep bowls;

open windows within the vegetation.

7. Plant communities

Instead of a list of individual plants, complete communities are designed.

Underwater vegetation

Functions:

oxygen production;

shelters for young fish;

substrate for eggs;

stabilization of bottom sediments;

absorption of nutrients.

Only local species appropriate to the water quality and depth are used.

Floating vegetation

Creates:

shading;

shelters;

places for aquatic invertebrates;

protection of fry.

It should not completely cover the surface of the water.

Coastal and aquatic plants

Used:

sedges;

sieves;

irises;

arrowhead;

adverb;

local species of cattail;

other regional marsh plants.

They are placed in groups, rather than in a continuous uniform belt.

Wet meadows

Consists of:

local cereals;

flowering herbs;

moisture-loving legumes;

low sedges;

medicinal plants.

Wet meadows are especially important for:

pollinators;

butterflies;

land birds;

small mammals;

food supply for herbivores.

Shrub belt

May include:

local willows;

viburnum;

дёрен;

buckthorn;

other moisture-loving shrubs.

Shrubs create:

nesting sites;

wind protection;

berries;

shelters;

transition to the forest zone.

Swamp forest

In suitable areas, a sparse forest of local moisture-loving trees is formed.

Possible births:

alder;

willow;

ash tree;

elm;

native poplar species;

birch in the appropriate natural zones.

The forest should not completely shade the swamp.

Mosaic required:

forest;

shrubs;

open water;

meadows;

shallow water.

8. Limitation of dominant species

Some native plants may become overgrown after hydrology is disrupted or large amounts of nutrients are added.

The following are monitored especially closely:

cane monopolies;

dense cattail clumps;

continuous shrub thickets;

floating vegetation that completely covers the water.

Control methods:

restoration of natural water fluctuations;

reduction in fertilizer input;

selective biomass removal;

seasonal mowing of individual sectors;

controlled grazing;

creating deeper open areas;

restoration of flow in channels.

The goal is not the destruction of the dominant species, but the prevention of complete monopolization of the territory.

9. Dead wood

Some of the trunks, roots and branches should remain in the swamp.

She creates:

fish shelters;

bird resting places;

substrate for mushrooms;

environment for aquatic insects;

amphibian shelters;

plant germination areas;

slow flow microzones.

Different forms are used:

standing dry trees;

partially submerged trunks;

root systems;

woody islands;

small branch blockages.

Timber must not be left where it poses a threat to bridges, hydraulic structures or emergency waterways.

10. Rocks, gravel and mineral islands

The swamp should not consist only of organic soil.

Local areas are added:

gravel;

pebbles;

sand;

boulders;

mineral soil.

They are used:

reptiles for warming up;

insects for reproduction;

fish for spawning;

birds for rest;

plants of open mineral soils.

Mineral islands are especially important in floodplain swamps.

11. Bird Islands

Islands of different types are created.

Low Islands

Used:

waders;

seagulls;

step by step;

other birds of open spaces.

They must have:

sand and gravel surface;

low vegetation;

protection from terrestrial predators.

Overgrown islands

Used:

ducks;

rail birds;

small songbirds.

Wooden platforms

Suitable for:

rest of birds;

nesting;

observations;

installation of cameras.

Too many artificial islands should not be created: part of the territory should develop naturally.

12. Amphibians

For frogs, toads, newts and salamanders you need:

seasonal reservoirs without fish;

shallow waters;

warm areas;

shaded areas;

dead wood;

damp ground shelters;

safe migration routes.

It is very important to connect the swamp with its surroundings:

forests;

meadows;

springs;

streams;

small bodies of water.

An isolated wetland may not support sustainable amphibian populations.

13. Pisces

Fish are not necessary in all swamp waters.

It is recommended to separate:

Fishing zones

deep bowls;

ducts;

oxbow lakes;

permanent bodies of water.

Fishless zones

seasonal puddles;

small bowls;

reservoirs for breeding amphibians;

separate research sites.

Releasing fish into all bodies of water is a mistake and can dramatically reduce the number of amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.

Only local species are used.

14. Insects and other invertebrates

To increase diversity, conditions are created for:

dragonflies;

butterflies;

bees;

bumblebees;

water beetles;

caddis flies;

mayflies;

shellfish;

crustaceans;

soil invertebrates.

Required:

flowering plants from spring to autumn;

open sunny areas;

shaded areas;

standing and running water;

clean gravel;

wood in varying degrees of decomposition;

absence of constant use of insecticides.

15. Pollination corridors

A continuous flowering system is created along the swamp.

Early spring

willows;

early meadow plants;

flowering shrubs.

Spring and early summer

marsh grass;

irises;

local legumes;

meadow species.

Summer

flowering wet meadows;

coastal plants;

shrubs.

Late summer and autumn

late-flowering native plants;

seed meadow plants;

fruit-bearing shrubs.

This connects the swamp withDREVO Bee Ecosystemand surrounding agriculture.

16. Birds

Different groups of birds require different conditions.

Waterfowl

open water;

shallow waters;

islands;

protected thickets.

Sandpipers

wet open silt;

low banks;

seasonal shallows;

shallow water.

Reed species

areas of dense, tall vegetation;

quiet backwaters;

absence of constant anxiety.

Birds of prey

tall trees;

dry trunks;

observation points;

sufficient food supply.

Forest birds

swamp forests;

shrubs;

hollow trees;

dead wood.

17. Mammals

The marsh complex can support:

beavers;

otter;

water voles;

shrew;

bats;

roe deer;

wild boars;

other local animals.

To do this you need:

quiet zones;

coastal shelters;

wood;

shrubs;

ecological corridors;

safe road crossings;

limiting night lighting.

18. Beavers as biodiversity engineers

Where beavers are native and their return is permitted, they are able to create:

ponds;

ducts;

tree islands;

flooded forests;

shallow waters;

areas of dead wood;

varied microrelief.

However, their activities must be monitored alongside:

roads;

populated areas;

agricultural lands;

bridges;

dams.

Applicable:

protective nets on trees;

regulating devices in dams;

bypass channels;

safe flood zones.

19. Fungi and microorganisms

The biodiversity of a swamp is impossible without the invisible part of the ecosystem.

Supported:

mycorrhizal fungi;

saprotrophic fungi;

bottom sediment bacteria;

rhizosphere microorganisms;

aquatic biofilms;

the simplest.

For their development the following is necessary:

dead wood;

different types of organic matter;

absence of toxic chemicals;

stable humidity;

alternation of oxygen and low-oxygen microzones.

The uncontrolled introduction of ready-made microbiological mixtures is prohibited. Local natural communities are given priority.

20. Connection with the surrounding landscape

Even a well-restored swamp will be poor if it is isolated.

Ecological links are created with:

forests;

wet meadows;

rivers;

streams;

springs;

agricultural forest belts;

other swamps;

coastal areas.

Used:

forest corridors;

strips of shrubs;

water protection buffers;

chains of small bodies of water;

passages under roads;

green bridges;

dark corridors without intense lighting.

21. Buffer zone

A protective belt is created around the swamp.

He delays:

fertilizers;

pesticides;

soil particles;

road runoff;

noise;

world;

human impact.

The buffer structure may include:

coastal marsh vegetation;

wet meadow;

shrub belt;

sparse forest;

agroforestry zone;

agricultural land.

The width is determined by:

slope;

soil type;

intensity of agriculture;

risk of contamination;

the value of the swamp.

22. Integration with agriculture

Biodiversity can be maintained without the complete elimination of economic activity.

Acceptable:

seasonal haymaking;

paludic culture;

limited rotational grazing;

seed collection;

cultivation of marsh crops;

ecological beekeeping;

nurseries of native plants.

But rules are introduced:

different mowing times in different areas;

preservation of unmown strips;

prohibition of work during the breeding seasons of sensitive species;

limitation of technology;

prohibition of drainage;

refusal of pesticides in the buffer zone.

23. Mosaic mowing

Continuous simultaneous mowing destroys shelters and food sources.

The system used is:

only part of the territory is mown annually;

other areas remain unmown;

the schedule changes from year to year;

winter stems are preserved;

breeding areas are not affected.

Approximate logic:

20–30% of wet meadows are mown this year;

20–30% — in the next;

Some areas remain unmown for several years.

The exact timing depends on local species.

24. Controlled grazing

Moderate grazing can:

prevent overgrowth with shrubs;

create different grass heights;

form open ground areas;

increase mosaicity.

But overgrazing causes:

trampling;

coastal erosion;

water pollution;

destruction of vegetation;

erosion.

Used:

small herds;

short periods;

temporary fencing;

zones of complete peace;

soil condition monitoring.

25. Water management for biodiversity

Constantly constant water levels reduce diversity.

Natural seasonal fluctuations are preserved whenever possible:

spring filling;

summer decline;

autumn recovery;

individual years of higher flooding;

periods of silt exposure.

But the fluctuations should not lead to:

destructive drying of peat;

death of all aquatic vegetation;

uncontrolled flooding;

salinization;

damage to infrastructure.

26. Control of invasive species

The work begins with early detection.

Used:

photo monitoring;

spectral survey;

TREVO AeroSense Drone;

observations of specialists;

citizen science;

automatic recognition.

Removal methods:

manual removal;

spot mowing;

extraction of rhizomes;

shading;

change in water regime;

biological methods only after serious evaluation.

The widespread use of herbicides is not permitted unless absolutely necessary.

27. Quiet zones

Part of the marsh complex should be completely closed to regular visitors.

Such zones are necessary for:

nesting;

wintering;

reproduction;

resting place for migratory birds;

shelters for large animals.

Access is granted to:

scientific groups;

robotic platforms;

service personnel;

only during specified periods.

28. Ecotourism

Visits are organised in such a way as not to disrupt the ecosystem.

Created:

raised decks;

observation towers;

hidden observation points;

outlying routes;

limited seasonal trails;

educational platforms.

Directing the flow of visitors through the natural core is prohibited.

29. Artificial lighting and noise

Marshes are particularly sensitive to night light.

Necessary:

eliminate constant illumination of the natural core;

use warm directional light;

use motion sensors;

reduce equipment noise;

limit nighttime activities;

keep dark corridors for bats and insects.

30. Living Mountain Observatory

The monitoring system records:

plant species;

birds;

amphibians;

fish;

insects;

mammals;

mushrooms;

invasive species;

water level;

water quality;

temperature;

seasonal changes.

Used:

camera trap;

acoustic sensors;

underwater cameras;

automatic stations;

environmental DNA analysis;

drones;

River Rover Scout.

31. Environmental DNA

eDNA analysis allows the detection of the presence of organisms by genetic material in water and soil.

It can be used to detect:

fish;

amphibians;

shellfish;

rare species;

invasive organisms.

The method complements, but does not replace:

field observations;

traps;

visual accounting;

acoustic monitoring.

32. Mountain Digital Twin

The digital twin displays:

depths;

plant communities;

seasonal flooding;

breeding grounds;

ecological corridors;

quiet zones;

spread of invasive species;

results of restoration work.

It allows you to simulate:

change in water level;

overgrowth;

drought;

flood;

fire;

emergence of a new species;

the influence of mowing or grazing.

33. DREVO Wetlands Biodiversity Index

Not only the number of species is used for the assessment.

The system takes into account:

number of native species;

rare species;

functional groups;

habitat diversity;

connectivity with other territories;

population stability;

the proportion of invasive species;

water quality;

naturalness of hydrology;

reproductive success.

An increase in the number of observed species in one season does not necessarily mean that a full-fledged ecosystem has been restored.

34. Stages of increasing biodiversity

Stage 1 - Diagnostics

Studied:

hydrology;

relief;

soils;

vegetation;

animals;

pollution;

invasive species;

historical state.

Stage 2 – Water Recovery

closing of drains;

flood restoration;

creation of safe overflows;

return of seasonal fluctuations.

Stage 3 – creating relief

shallow waters;

deep bowls;

islands;

hummocks;

temporary reservoirs;

channels.

Stage 4 – Vegetation restoration

natural regeneration;

planting of native species;

creation of wet meadows;

restoration of shrubs and forests.

Stage 5 – Habitat Creation

wood;

stones;

gravel;

islands;

spawning grounds;

shelters.

Stage 6 - Restoring Connectivity

corridors;

buffers;

transitions;

chains of small bodies of water.

Stage 7 – Long-term management

mosaic mowing;

controlled grazing;

invasive species control;

monitoring;

project adaptation.

35. Planned structure of the pilot swamp

For a hypothetical plot of 100 hectares, the following starting model can be used:

Zones may overlap. This is not a universal standard, but a starting point for design.

36. Successful Recovery Indicators

After 3–5 years the following are assessed:

restoration of hydrology;

the emergence of native plants;

increase in the number of amphibians;

the appearance of aquatic insects;

use of territory by birds;

reduction of the area of ​​invasive species.

In 10–20 years:

formation of stable plant communities;

stable reproduction of animals;

the appearance of dead wood of different stages;

development of swamp forest;

restoration of food chains;

increasing connectivity with surrounding ecosystems.

In 30–50 years:

self-sustaining ecosystem;

minimal need for technical intervention;

resistance to climate fluctuations;

developed habitat mosaic;

natural renewal of plants and animals.

37. What not to do

The following is not allowed:

plant dozens of species without restoring hydrology;

turn the entire swamp into a deep pond;

release fish into all bodies of water;

remove dead wood en masse;

plant the entire area with reeds;

use foreign ornamental plants;

level the banks;

create steep concrete edges;

carry out continuous annual mowing;

illuminate the natural core at night;

transform the swamp into a highly attended park;

releasing animals without assessing the ecosystem;

consider the number of planted species as the main indicator of success.

38. Integration with DREVO Living Mountains

The biodiversity enhancement system is integrated with:

DREVO Mountain Sponge;

Mountain Springs Recovery;

Mountain Forest Corridors;

WOOD Clean Rivers;

River Rover Restore;

River Rover Scout;

DREVO Timber Reserve;

Living Mountain Observatory;

Mountain Digital Twin;

TREVO AeroSense Drone;

WOOD AI;

DREVO Smart Agriculture;

AMCWSRI.

Mission

Increasing wetland biodiversity in the systemDREVO Living Mountainsdoes not mean the artificial accumulation of the maximum number of species, but the restoration of conditions in which local species are able to independently live, reproduce and move across the landscape.

A healthy swamp should contain both:

water and land;

light and shadow;

open spaces and shelters;

young and old vegetation;

living and dead wood;

permanent and temporary reservoirs;

calm zones and areas of water movement.

It is this kind of mosaic that turns a swampy area intoa living node of biodiversity, linking forests, springs, rivers, agricultural lands, floodplains and coasts into a single ecological system.